Aging In Place Senior Living: How to Choose How to Age 11/30/2020 | By Seniors Guide Staff Home modifications, buying a new home, or moving into an assisted living facility For many seniors – and their loved ones – the goal of the golden years is to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. What that looks like depends on several factors, such as health (physical and mental), financial stability, and personal preference. The reality for every senior will be different – but it’s important to be able to choose how to age. Seniors have a lot of options when it comes to their independent living, but three major ones stand out: senior living facilities, buying a senior-accessible home, and making modifications to a current home. If you or a loved one are considering these options, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons. Here are a few tips to help you get familiar with the ins and outs of senior home care. Moving Into an Assisted Living Facility You are self-sufficient and want to remain that way. But from time to time you find it helpful to have some daily assistance with medications, meals, and other personal needs. An assisted living community might be the best place to spend your retirement. These facilities typically look like condos or apartment buildings. There are many of these types of communities, so it’s essential that you do your research. Not only do you want to look at online reviews, but you’ll also want to tour communities, talk to residents, and ask friends for recommendations. Buying a Senior-Accessible Home Nothing makes aging less stressful quite like a safe, secure, and comfortable home. Unfortunately, your current home may not fit the bill. It may be too big, have too many hazards or reside too far away from family and friends. Whatever your reason for buying a new home, it’s important your next place promotes independent living. Before hiring a realtor, make sure to research what you’re able to spend on a new home. Consider hiring a realtor who is certified in senior and retirement living. These professionals have received additional training specific to senior real estate needs. They have plenty of resources to help seniors find the right home at a great price, and to best choose how to age. From understanding taxes to prioritizing community resources, a qualified realtor can lead you through the front door of a senior-accessible home. Modifying Your Current Home Some modifications you make to prevent accident and injury, while others are made to help support recovery after one has occurred. If you want to age in place, you’ll need to think about the modifications that protect your health and well-being. For example, did you know that injuries due to slips and falls are the number one reason seniors wind up in the emergency department? Or that a senior’s health can decline so rapidly after a slip or a fall that it’s not uncommon for a senior with a hip fracture to pass away within six months of injury? Making home modifications now could make your home much safer. You can install handrails on stairs, in hallways and by tubs, toilets, sinks and other places where water can gather. Some seniors install non-slip flooring as an extra precaution. Another way to avoid injury from falls: move your essential upstairs rooms to the first floor to reduce the need for navigating stairs. Setting yourself up in the right living environment enables you to live your golden years in comfort and safety. Take the time to weigh your options carefully when deciding where to live, especially when it comes to costs and daily needs, so that you can best choose how to age. If necessary, lean on your family for support in making the right choice for you. Read More Seniors Guide Staff Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.